What happens when you call 911?
- Our 911 Call Taker enters the information you give into a computer.
- Our computer-aided dispatch system assigns a priority to the call based on the type of call (burglary, shooting, etc.). Additional information you give can affect the priority.
- A Dispatcher radios the information to a Police Officer in the field.
- Additional information from you is sent to officers either by radio or computer. Details are vital, so remain calm and speak clearly.
Why prioritize calls?
We answer hundreds of calls each day – everything from found property to attempted murder. Obviously, we must respond more quickly when a life is in danger than when only property is threatened. We have limited resources and must work numerous calls simultaneously; prioritization helps us effectively and efficiently use those resources. We make every effort to provide the highest level of police service at every call.
How are common calls prioritized?
The factors below are not rigid categories but guidelines used when determining the priority of 911 calls. Some of the most common calls are listed as examples.
Classification |
Factors |
Dispatch Method |
Examples |
EMERGENCY
Immediate, emergency police response
(lights and sirens)
|
◊ Immediate threat to life.
◊ Violent criminal act in progress.
◊ Violent incident just occurred and there is a likelihood of suspect apprehension.
|
Units sent immediately
|
◊ Armed robbery
◊ Stabbing
◊ Sexual assault in progress
◊ Shooting
|
PRIORITY 1
Immediate police response |
◊ Criminal offense just occurred
◊ Suspects are still in the area or just left the scene
◊ Potential violence or imminent danger
◊ Non-violent criminal offense in progress with suspects still on scene (example: someone vandalizing property, kids throwing rocks at cars)
◊ Citizen’s arrest with suspect resisting (ex: shoplifter in custody causing problems) |
Units sent immediately, if available. If no units are available in that beat, the dispatcher determines the closest available unit and sends that unit to the call.
|
◊ Domestic disturbance
◊ Physical altercation
◊ Accident with injuries
◊ Gunshots fired
◊ Report of sexual assault (suspect gone)
◊ Hold-up or panic alarm
◊ Robbery (suspects gone or no weapon used) |
PRIORITY 2
Reasonable police field response |
◊ No offense is in progress
◊ A delay in police response is not likely to result in a criminal offense
◊ A delay is not likely to result in further injury, loss of property, or adversely affect investigation
◊ No reason to believe suspect is on scene or in area
◊ Citizen’s arrest with suspect not resisting. |
The goal is to send the beat officer so he/she is aware of crimes in his/her area. If beat officer is not available, dispatcher may hold the call for up to 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, dispatcher will send an officer from another beat.
|
◊ 911 hang ups
◊ Shoplifter in custody/not resisting
◊ Commercial or residential alarm
◊ Runaway or missing person report
◊ Suspicious person |
PRIORITY 3
AS AVAILABLE
As-available basis by the beat officer
|
◊ A delay is not likely to adversely affect investigation
◊ No change in physical evidence expected
◊ Suspect description unknown¨ ◊ Suspect not near
◊ Complainant is requesting contact |
The goal is to send the beat officer. Dispatcher may hold the call for up to one hour, but will dispatch an officer from another beat if the beat officer is still unavailable after one hour. |
◊ Loud Music
◊ Residential or commercial burglary report (suspect gone)
◊ Assault report
◊ Other reports where suspect is not on scene |
PRIORITY 3
WHEN AVAILABLE
Beat officer on a when- available basis |
◊ No complainant is waiting
◊ Delayed investigation or report ◊ Follow-up incident |
The goal is to send the beat officer. Dispatcher may hold the call for up to two hours, but will dispatch an officer from another beat if the beat officer is still unavailable after two hours. |
◊ Found or abandoned property
◊ Lost property |